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Kalangala fishermen celebrate lifting of ban on mukene fishing
The NRM leadership also successfully intervened and mediated the return of boats, nets, and engines that had been impounded during the UPDF operations on the Lake and returned them to owners who were not intentionally violating fisheries laws.
The minister allowed the communities to resume fishing using the chota-chota method only, which is a traditional, environmentally conscious scoop-net technique which protects young stocks using specialised small-mesh mukene nets. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)
By: Eddie Ssejjoba, Journalist @New Vision
KALANGALA - The newly appointed State Minister for Fisheries, Robert Migadde Ndugwa, has given the mukene (silverfish) dealers a green light, allowing fishing communities, especially in Kalangala district, to continue their activities so long as they use the recommended gear.
The minister allowed the communities to resume fishing using the chota-chota method only, which is a traditional, environmentally conscious scoop-net technique which protects young stocks using specialised small-mesh mukene nets. 
He, however, said the ban on use of lamps or pressure lanterns to catch mukene would remain in place until President Yoweri Museveni gives the final directive.
This followed an appeal from the fishing communities in Kalangala, whose livelihood had been severely affected after the government banned the destructive “hurry-up” fishing method, saying it indiscriminately traps young Nile Perch and other species and depletes all the lake stocks.
Migadde was speaking to fishing communities at Lwanabatya landing site in Kyamuswa County on Buseke Island, where he campaigned for the NRM candidate, Aidah Nabayiga.
At least five candidates were cleared by the electoral commission to contest for the seat after the sudden demise of the elected Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli, who was a National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter.
This followed an appeal from the fishing communities in Kalangala, whose livelihood had been severely affected after the government banned the destructive “hurry-up” fishing method, saying it indiscriminately traps young Nile Perch and other species and depletes all the lake stocks.
Migadde was speaking to fishing communities at Lwanabatya landing site in Kyamuswa County on Buseke Island, where he campaigned for the NRM candidate, Aidah Nabayiga.
At least five candidates were cleared by the electoral commission to contest for the seat after the sudden demise of the elected Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli, who was a National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter.
Others in the race are Sharifah Kaala Babirye (Independent), Agnes Nasuuna (Independent), Irene Nampala (NUP) and Hellen Flavia Nagawa (Independent).
While addressing the NRM supporters, the minister dismissed claims that the government has stopped fishing activities on lakes.
He clarified that fishing will go on provided the fishermen use the government-approved fishing gear and comply with the fisheries regulations.
The NRM leadership also successfully intervened and mediated the return of boats, nets, and engines that had been impounded during the UPDF operations on the Lake and returned them to owners who were not intentionally violating fisheries laws.
While traversing other islands, the state minister said that, being a former fisherman, he was aware of the disruptions the temporary bans had caused not only to the fishing communities but to the entire sector.
He, however, said that within two months, the President will come out with the final directive after studying and after making enough consultation on the matter.
He appealed to the communities to vote for the NRM candidate, saying she would serve as a quick link between them and the government and would be able to effectively channel their concerns to President Museveni.
He told the residents that President Museveni allowed fishing communities to get the Parish Development Model (PDM) cash to enable them to improve their livelihoods.
Most of the residents celebrated the lifting of the ban on mukene fishing, saying they were happy with the new directives since the ban had greatly affected their livelihoods. They commended President Museveni for listening to their cries, returning their fishing gear, and allowing them to resume fishing.
The NRM candidate, Nabayiga, promised residents that she would lobby for loans so that they can buy proper fishing gear.
The rallies were attended by the Resident District Commissioner, Fred Badda, who assured the voters that on the polling day, June 24, 2026, his office will work closely with the electoral commission to ensure all voting materials are delivered to the respective stations in time.
He, however, warned that as the chairperson of the security committee, he will not allow hooligans from other places to come and interrupt the voting process.
He, however, cautioned residents against travelling on the lake without protective gear saying the Lake is not stable during the current season.
While addressing the NRM supporters, the minister dismissed claims that the government has stopped fishing activities on lakes.
He clarified that fishing will go on provided the fishermen use the government-approved fishing gear and comply with the fisheries regulations.
The NRM leadership also successfully intervened and mediated the return of boats, nets, and engines that had been impounded during the UPDF operations on the Lake and returned them to owners who were not intentionally violating fisheries laws.
While traversing other islands, the state minister said that, being a former fisherman, he was aware of the disruptions the temporary bans had caused not only to the fishing communities but to the entire sector.
He, however, said that within two months, the President will come out with the final directive after studying and after making enough consultation on the matter.
He appealed to the communities to vote for the NRM candidate, saying she would serve as a quick link between them and the government and would be able to effectively channel their concerns to President Museveni.
He told the residents that President Museveni allowed fishing communities to get the Parish Development Model (PDM) cash to enable them to improve their livelihoods.
Most of the residents celebrated the lifting of the ban on mukene fishing, saying they were happy with the new directives since the ban had greatly affected their livelihoods. They commended President Museveni for listening to their cries, returning their fishing gear, and allowing them to resume fishing.
The NRM candidate, Nabayiga, promised residents that she would lobby for loans so that they can buy proper fishing gear.
The rallies were attended by the Resident District Commissioner, Fred Badda, who assured the voters that on the polling day, June 24, 2026, his office will work closely with the electoral commission to ensure all voting materials are delivered to the respective stations in time.
He, however, warned that as the chairperson of the security committee, he will not allow hooligans from other places to come and interrupt the voting process.
He, however, cautioned residents against travelling on the lake without protective gear saying the Lake is not stable during the current season.